Driving Along the French Riviera Coastline to Lavender Fields in Provence A Romantic Route Along the Mediterranean Sea to Lavender Fields in Southern France From NICE to CANNES

Change your usual France itinerary beyond Paris by driving along the scenic Mediterranean coastline, famously known as the French Riviera. Begin your journey in Nice, then continue to Cannes before heading to the stunning lavender fields of Provence. Enjoy the vibrant colors of the sea, mountains, and charming southern French villages that will leave lasting memories.

How to Get There: Fly direct from Paris to Nice (Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport), approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, or from Dubai in about 6 hours 30 minutes. Rent a car at the airport and explore Nice, Cannes, Grasse, and the Provence region over 3 to 4 days.

Nice

The largest city along the Côte d’Azur on the French Riviera, Nice is France’s top seaside resort destination. It captivates visitors with the vibrant hues of the Mediterranean Sea and adorable architecture reminiscent of Italian coastal towns.

Must-Visit Spots

Beautiful Beach Life

To truly experience the French Riviera, start at Nice’s beaches — a long curved sandy shore dotted with colorful umbrellas and lively beach bars. Adjacent is the beautiful Old Town, featuring local markets, galleries, and the famous Galeries Lafayette for leisurely shopping. Known as the city of festivals, Nice hosts Carnival and Jazz Festivals, with live music performances every weekend along the beach.

Promenade des Anglais

This iconic seaside boulevard stretches several kilometers along the Côte d’Azur bay. Along the way, you’ll see locals and tourists photographing the striking black sculpture “Neuf Lignes Obliques.” Climb the 219 stone steps or take the elevator to Castle Hill (La Colline du Château) — the city’s main viewpoint offering panoramic views of colorful coastal buildings, the harbor, and the Mediterranean Sea. The hilltop also features medieval fortress ruins, waterfalls, cafés, and playgrounds, perfect for families.

Address: Promenade des Anglais, Côte d’Azur Beach, Nice, France

Place Masséna

Dress up and stroll through this central city square along Masséna Avenue, surrounded by stunning neoclassical architecture. Don’t miss the landmark fountain, Fontaine Miroir d’Eau, for perfect photo opportunities.

Address: Place Masséna, Nice, France

Gare de Nice Ville

The city’s main railway station is a masterpiece of Renaissance-style French architecture, grand and exquisitely detailed, almost like stepping into a fairy tale.

Address: Gare de Nice-Ville, Avenue Thiers, Nice, France

Vieille Ville (Old Town)

Explore the colorful Roman-style houses of the Old Town that feel like a little Italy with a French twist. Bustling with locals speaking French, this area is full of charming cafés and restaurants perfect for relaxing and capturing beautiful photos.

Address: Vieille Ville, Nice, France

Recommended Michelin Restaurants

Flaveur

Creative Mediterranean cuisine focusing on organic ingredients, beautifully presented.

Address: 25 Rue Gubernatis, Nice, France
Tel: +33 4 93 62 53 95

HOBO Coffee

A chill seaside café serving rich homemade coffee, fresh fruit salads, and baked goods.

Address: 5 Bis Rue Sainte-Reparate, Nice, France
Tel: +33 6 71 06 32 81

Olim Massena

Mediterranean-style breakfast with healthy favorites like yogurt-dressed grain cocktails and fruit salads, perfect for Instagram.

Address: 54 Bd Jean Jaurès, Nice, France
Tel: +33 7 69 65 04 69

Recommended 5-Star Hotels

Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée

Luxury Victorian-style beachfront hotel with modern interiors and excellent amenities.

Address: 13 Prom. des Anglais, Nice, France
Tel: +33 4 93 27 12 34

Le Negresco

Classic and elegant hotel styled like Versailles Palace, located on the most beautiful beach in France for a truly indulgent stay.

Address: 37 Prom. des Anglais, Nice, France
Tel: +33 4 93 16 64 00

Cannes

Just a 30-minute drive from Nice along the coast, Cannes is another stunning French Riviera city. Known worldwide for its film festival, Cannes also boasts beautiful beaches and luxurious hotels favored by celebrities.

Must-Visit Spots

Promenade de la Croisette

A more than 2 km long coastal promenade along La Bocca Beach, lined with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, luxury hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and high-end boutiques. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, sipping cocktails, or shopping spree.

Address: Promenade de la Croisette, La Bocca Beach, Cannes, France

Le Suquet

The classic old town near the Old Port, full of charming historic buildings and narrow alleys. Hidden throughout are quaint souvenir shops and inviting restaurants.

Address: Le Suquet Old Town, Cannes, France

Musée de la Castre

An ancient castle perched on a hill in Le Suquet, offering 360-degree views of Cannes, the Mediterranean Sea, the Old Port, and the Palais des Festivals. Inside, it houses artifacts recovered from underwater excavations, paintings, and photographs by renowned artists.

Address: Musée de la Castre, Le Suquet Old Town, Cannes, France

Rue d’Antibes

A shopping street packed with designer brands, also home to a range of accommodations from trendy hostels to luxury 5-star hotels.

Address: 99 Rue d’Antibes, Cannes, France

Palais des Festivals

The iconic venue of the Cannes Film Festival, where celebrities walk the famous red carpet. The building also features engraved names and handprints of invited stars. Experience the glamour by visiting and taking photos in your best outfit.

Address: 1 Bd de la Croisette, Cannes, France

Tip: The Cannes Film Festival, established in 1946, is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals globally, held every May for about 12 days at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.

Recommended Michelin Restaurants

La Villa Archange

Fine dining Mediterranean cuisine with quality ingredients in a spacious, relaxed setting.

Address: Rue de l’Ouest, Le Cannet, Cannes, France
Tel: +33 4 92 18 18 28

Le Bistrot Gourmand

Michelin-starred restaurant serving international fusion dishes like tuna steak, Caesar salad, foie gras, and creative cocktails.

Address: 10 Rue du Dr Pierre Gazagnaire, Cannes, France
Tel: +33 4 93 68 72 02

Restaurant La Palme d’Or

Luxurious dining at Hôtel Martinez with modern décor, romantic atmosphere, and a 7-course signature tasting menu called “The Mouvements” by a Michelin-starred chef.

Address: 73 Bd de la Croisette, Cannes, France
Tel: +33 4 92 98 74 14